Art that Matters
Stop settling for what’s good enough and start creating art that matters. Stop asking what’s in it for you and start giving gifts that change people. Then, and only then, will you have achieved your potential. ~ Seth Godin, Linchpin
What does that mean for the writing you want to start in 2010?
Thanks for asking the question.
I think that all my books have some underlying lesson. I try very hard not to preach it or teach it, but rather let it play out between the plot and the characters. While there is nothing wrong with writing for the sake of making money or getting famous or simply for pleasure, I want my writing to be be beneficial to my readers in some way.
I haven’t written a short story in years, yet for some reason, I penned one the other day that really called to me as a Christian and a writer. It is the most overt I have been in terms of message and religion, but I like the way it turned out. I liked how it felt to use my God-given talent to write something religiously based.
How’s that for a start?
.-= Cat Woods´s last blog ..Clean Lines-in books and in bedrooms =-.
Good question. I am reminded of the quote by Gina Trapani, “Don’t worry too much about getting things done. Make things happen.” I think this will be my mantra in 2010 as I continue my writing pursuits.
.-= Paul Cornies´s last blog ..Synopsis of Self-Development Posts (1) =-.
I believe the art that matters is just a question of being as genuine as you can. The decision whether your art matters is really not yours but the reader. All you can do is be as honest as possible and if you were someone out there will relate to your piece. I like the definition of art that Tolstoi gave: ‘art is infection.’ There should be no doubt what is being relayed in your written piece, whatever the feelings and it should be immediate. I came across this quote in a wonderful book on writing by Brenda Ueland “If You Want To Write.” There is no doubt the world is full of psuedo-art. Always be as honest as you can. That is all you can do. No one likes a phony.
Joanna, that is such a great question to ponder in this new year. I have huge writing goals this year but at the heart is creating “art” that really does matter, that fulfills my purpose and touches others. Practically, this means writing often and taking chances, exploring and facing down fears that keep me in a safe zone. It also means pushing myself to do more when I believe I have done enough. Thanks for the boost, wonderful way to end my work week! xx
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Canada, Border Crossings and Your Route to Success =-.
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Steinbeck’s tide pool description in Chapter Six of Cannery Row is a passage that once read, has impacted everything I chose to do after. I pulled it out yesterday to get the “cast” of characters from it to draw in the “Scribbles” series I am starting: nudibranchs and snapping shrimp, combers and waves, buoys and sea lions, the changing of tides… looked once more at the textures and sounds and feeling he evoked that have sent me across continents and into all manner of places….
I would like to write something evocative like that of my own…or paint it, draw it…live it some more…words that breathe life into a moment that is undeniably awe in small wondrous things. Like that. So “scribbles” is my concept of getting into that zone. Examine the what behind the why it thrills me so much, in words and paint and pencil, maybe some collage and other bits of work…maybe it will thrill someone else too if I tend the passion well.
.-= Janice Cartier´s last blog ..Epiphany, Small Steps =-.
@ Cat, that’s a very powerful answer, thank you. I like the way you describe it as playing out, not over-written but in there and infusing.
@ Paul, I really like that quote. It’s very powerful. I might use it as a mantra too.
@ Siggy, I agree with you – it’s about getting as close to the truth as we can. That’s where the power comes from (I realise I have referred to power in each of my anwers… hmmmm….) both for the reader – with whom the work resonates – and the writer, who knows they have shared something important, even if no-one ever reads it.
@ Karen, wow… yes please to all of that! I remember something you wrote last year about your purpose including to entertain – there are so many ways to move people and ‘make things happen’ – including by lightening their step and helping them see things in a different light. Something you do so well.
@ jan, you teach me over and over again what art is, and how I can learn to accept that what I do might be art too… and then how to pass it on. As for this:
“words that breathe life into a moment that is undeniably awe in small wondrous things” – yes. That’s so much what I want to do, and help others find the words (or other means at their disposal!) to do. Thanks x
I’ve realized that most people don’t see self defense as a life skill, but as something “I wish I had, but don’t have time for.” My search for artistry and giving melded into one will be to make self defense a mainstream skill, like the popular cooking shows did for cooking at home.
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Do you know your bad guys? =-.
[...] Art that Matters at Confident Writing I love the idea of determining “value” for online publishing. Confident Writing gives a great quote by Seth Godin to get the writing year off to a high “art” start. AKPC_IDS += "3866,"; [...]
@ Lori – that’s such a powerful intention. More power to your elbow!
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